If you’re dreaming of having your wedding in Old Town Alexandria in a venue that is warm and inviting with historic charm, look no further than Cooper Mill. Cooper Mill is a gorgeous, brand-new venue in Alexandria, VA, right near the waterfront and close to all that the city of Alexandria has to offer.
Keep reading to learn more about Cooper Mill and discover if it’s the perfect setting for your celebration!
Your Guide to Cooper Mill in Alexandria, Virginia
Cooper Mill is a beautifully renovated tavern and event space housed in one of Old Town’s last waterfront warehouses. This historic building used to be a flour mill, and when renovating, they chose to keep the building’s original bricks and hardwood beams, which pay homage to the storied past of the location.
For me, the best features of this venue are the beautiful cobblestone streets nearby, the location, which is right on the waterfront, and the vibrant landscaping nearby, making this an inclusive location without a lot of fuss! Furthermore, the view of the Potomac River from the event space can’t be beat – but what is truly exceptional is the culinary tastes that feel straight out of Italy, with top-notch hospitality.
Cooper Mill offers you customizable on-site catering, and the staff is very attentive! For the wedding I photographed here, the couple went with comfort Italian food, which was delicious, and I’d highly recommend it.
They also have a cozy upstairs that provides a completely private space with a beautiful bar connected to the outside with an upscale rustic feeling. The dance floor is also right near the big windows, which creates an eye-catching backdrop for stunning nighttime dance photos.
The venue also has balcony seating, which is great for an outdoor space that is connected to the main ballroom.
Another standout feature of this venue is that since it is located along the waterfront, there are lots of great hotel and transportation options for you and your guests.
Personally, I’d suggest Hotel Indigo! It’s nearby and has a variety of different guest rooms available. It also works as a great getting-ready location. For a full breakdown of wedding packages, event spaces, catering, and more at Cooper Mill, go here!
Event spaces at Cooper Mill
You have the flexibility to choose from a couple of different event space options here depending on your vision and guest count. Here’s an overview of what’s available to you:
Second Floor
The second floor is a completely private event space. It can accommodate up to almost 90 guests for a seated dinner or 100 guests for a cocktail hour. It also has an upstairs balcony and a full-service bar.
First Floor
This is a street-level space that has space for 50 seated guests or 80 standing for a cocktail-style reception. You can also choose to do a full venue buyout of the first and second floors. This space also has a full-service bar.
Alice and Geoff’s Wedding at Cooper Mill
Alice and Geoff wanted an event that felt not only fun, but comfortable. They were intentional about all aspects of the wedding and wanted each part of the day to capture what was most important to them.
Instead of a traditional ceremony, they entered together (my favorite new wedding tradition)! As they entered together, they had guests circle around them in a casual formation.
They also chose to forego traditional wedding activities with good food (that lasted ALL night!), delicious drinks, and an electric dance floor! The dance floor was great because it is at the front of the venue, so if you weren’t a dancer, you could enjoy your evening without being drowned out by a DJ.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Old Town Alexandria?
Each season in Old Town Alexandria has something special to offer you, as Alexandria has four distinct seasons. While Cooper Mill is an indoor venue, you’ll want to consider the best season for your celebration, especially if you’re doing anything outdoors such as taking photos by the waterfront or in Old Town, or if you want to have an outdoor ceremony, as there are several gardens, terraces, and waterfront spaces throughout the city for a lovely outdoor ceremony.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect each season:
Spring (March to May)
Spring has mild weather, and everything in the city is colorful and vibrant! This time of year is also when you’ll encounter the famous blossoming cherry trees. Spring is a very popular season for weddings, so make sure to consider this as costs go up at this time of year.
Summer (June to August)
Summer brings with it long days, heat, and humidity. There’s also a higher chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Fall (September to November)
Fall has cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. During the fall, there are so many different colors with all of the changing trees. The Potomac River in Old Town Alexandria is truly stunning at this time of year as it’s surrounded by trees.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Virginia brings cooler temperatures and shorter days. This time of year is a great option to choose for your celebration if you already know you want to have an indoor ceremony and reception, as venue costs are often lower during this season.
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at Cooper Mill?
Hopefully you found all this info about Cooper Mill helpful. It truly is a venue that has everything you could possibly need for an unforgettable celebration!
If you’re still looking for a Washington DC/Virginia wedding photographer, I’d love to connect! My approach to wedding photography starts with understanding what—and who—matters the most to the two of you.
When you hire me to photograph your wedding, we’ll sit down to figure out what photos are must-haves and how you want your day to feel. Your images will capture your day in its entirety: the spontaneous joy, the precious family photos, the experience you created for your guests.
You can learn more about my wedding photography services here or get in touch with me here.
Read these next:
6 Non-Traditional Questions to Ask Your Photographer Before You Hire Them
